Wigan won’t appeal Lima ban

Wigan will not appeal against the two-match ban handed down to prop Jeff Lima, meaning he will definitely sit out the World Club Challenge later this month.

Lima was banned by the RFL Disciplinary Panel on Tuesday but the club has decided not to go through the appeal process, meaning he will also miss this weekend’s Super League clash at Bradford.

Chairman Ian Lenagan said: “We were disappointed last year at the number of sentences which were overturned upon appeal and were one of the club’s requesting that the RFL change and improve significantly the fairness, balance and transparency of the Disciplinary Process.

“Our experience in this case where a key Wigan player has been banned from an extremely important game is that the process is much improved and highly professional. Consequently, we accept the decision, albeit with disappointment for the Player and the Club, and look forward to a Season of consistent and fair Disciplinary Panel decisions and general acceptance of decisions taken.”